CHICAGO: After celebrating Mother’s Day & Father’s Day, Hari Om Mandir decided to recognize the young artists in the community and celebrate the Youth Day with pomp and fervor.
A gala evening of music, dance, fun and entertainment was organized by the Mandir on Saturday, July 16 at Lake Park High School east campus. The entire program was put together by children ranging 7 to 17 years in age. MC’s Tushar Sharma and Divya Maheshwari led the program from start to finish in a very professional way.
The program started with the traditional Lighting of the Diya and offering prayers to Ganesh Ji. Once, the ball was set rolling, there was no looking back….from Classical Bharatanatyam to Bollywood dances, from Punjabi folk to modern hip hop, from vocal singing to instrumental music……the kids had so much to offer.
Srikar Gangadharni played and sang the old classic “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” on the piano. The highlight of this rendering was that this 8-year old kid had learnt this Bhajan from his grandfather in India thru Skype. Thanks to technology. Another memorable performance was the recitation of the Nursery Rhyme, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” by Shriya Lakshmi Narasimhan, who presented it in different Indian languages.
After the dinner intermission, the program advanced to a grand finale with a Fashion Show put up by all the participants and their proud parents. Young kids and teenagers very elegantly walked the stage and posed for pictures. Satpal Salwan, Chairman Board of Trustees, thanked everyone for their hard work and congratulated the youth for putting up a great show.
President of the Executive Board Vipan Wadhera presented a Plaque to the Youth Co-coordinator Tushar Sharma, honoring him for his services and attachment to the Mandir, since he was a 3-year old kid.
The program concluded with National Anthem and the awards ceremony.
Suresh Bodiwala
